This is an English translation of a DES article/interview about BeSt on his retirement.
Doh Jae-Wook: "I am happy I can leave while smiling"
The poet Lee Hyong-Gi wrote in his poem "Falling Blossoms", "How beautiful the sight of one who knows it's time to leave." Saying goodbye is sad, but if you must do it, choosing the right time will allow you to do so gracefully.
Among entertainers, those who retired and whose fans desperately wanted to see return are perhaps remembered most fondly. Also for athletes, some of the most memorable are those who ended their careers even though they could have achieved more.
However, for e-sports these cases are not as common. Some who stood at the top were disgraced and forced to leave the sport, while most others saw their skill level drop and became has-beens who sat on the bench.
When SK Telecon's Doh Jae-Wook (BeSt) announced his retirement, fans were probably surprised for this reason. His skill had not bottomed out, on the contrary, just previously he had played in the Proleague playoffs, winning against STX's Lee Shin-Hyong (Bogus/INnoVation) who was widely considered the best player at the time, so news of his retirement was difficult for fans to receive.
A standout player, the news of Doh Jae-Wook's entrance into military service was a shock to our staff as well. At SK Telecom and in e-sports in general, he was a player who brought joy to the fans even beyond his results. Perhaps for that reason, we were not quite prepared to send him off.
Why would he choose to enter the military now? Choosing military service over the fans who wished to see him play again, please listen to Doh Jae-Wook's truthful story.
Truly a professional If you asked fans or industry insiders to describe Doh Jae-Wook, they would describe him as "a fun player, a talkative player." It is difficult to think of him as a serious person. In broadcasts, he would always be quick-witted and bold in his behavior which brought joy to the fans.
However, Doh Jae-Wook was perhaps one of the most serious and proud progamers. It was the true character that people did not see. He was objective, analytic, and greatly hated to lose.
When asked why he was retiring when he was just beginning to show promise, he answered honestly, "I felt that I had achieved the skill I was capable of." His response is different from those who became overconfident because of results and could not evaluate themselves objectively.
"I had no reason to continue being a progamer. Even continuing for one or two more years, I felt it would not be enough to reach the top. The thought that you can achieve anything with just hard work isn't quite true. No matter how hard you try, sometimes some things don't work out. At that time, being honest with yourself and stopping is a brave thing to do."
We could not understand what he was saying. Just previously, he had taken out the best player, STX's Lee Shin-Hyong. However, he said, "Because of that win, I felt even stronger about retiring."
"When analyzing progamers using data and statistics, there are clear advantages of one over another, but nobody is invulnerable to losing. But when I beat Lee Shin-Hyong, many people called it a 'miracle'. Already they did not consider me a pro. If the spectators don't recognize me as a pro, I think it is a good decision to leave."
Doh Jae-Wook confessed that he was most angry during this time in his progaming career. When he was matched with Lee Shin-Hyong, the opposing team's ace, many people chalked it up as an automatic win, and he could barely contain his rage. Based on his public persona, we would have expected him to just laugh it off, but Doh Jae-Wook was a much more serious progamer than we believed.
"What progamer plays in order to lose? Dismissing a match as an automatic loss is one of the most humiliating insults we can receive. It devalues all of the work that the player makes toward that one match. As an e-sports progamer I had a lot of pride but hearing that made it feel like they were disregarding all of my efforts until then and that made me angry. I went out to prove that it would not be a walkover or a miracle, but the result of my own hard work."
Knowing that entertaining the fans was an important part of being a progamer, Doh Jae-wook always showed us his cheerful side. But hearing this story it is clear that he has a strong competitive spirit.
That incident cemented his belief that "now is the time to leave." Thinking that the point where fans did not consider him a professional to be the right time to stop, Doh Jae-Wook made the decision to retire and enter the military.
A progaming career without regrets: "I was happy" We asked Doh Jae-wook what his most joyful moment as a progamer was. Perhaps it was when he reverse swept in the Starleague semifinals to reach his first final, or when his team won the Proleague.
However, his answer was unexpected. With an honest expression he told us, "every moment was joyful." Among all of the progamers we have interviewed until now, it was our first time hearing an answer like this.
"If I had not become a progamer, how would things have gone? I probably would just be a normal person getting through day by day. I was able to receive such affection from so many people and live so happily because I was a progamer. Even just eating with my teammates, I was so happy."
The ever-joyful Doh Jae-Wook, but he must have also had difficult times. What could be his most painful memory? This time he also gave an extraordinary answer. He said the six straight losses immediately after his debut were his most difficult time.
"When I lost 0-3 in the Starleague finals, surprisingly it was not that difficult for me. I was sorry toward my parents but I was not suffering nor did I want to stop being a progamer. To even stand on the Starleague finals stage that I had dreamed of made me so happy. But when I lost six straight games after my debut, it was so difficult I thought I wanted to die."
He sometimes thought of running away in the night. Since he was not a well-known progamer and did not have a contract with the team, he believed that if escaped in the early morning and hid away somewhere, no one would find him.
But miraculously, while Doh Jae-Wook had these thoughts of running away, he got his first win. With the unforgettable thrill of that time, he stopped his thoughts of escape and resolved to walk the path of a progamer.
There were many ups and downs, but being a progamer was Doh Jae-Wook's unavoidable destiny. For him, feeling so much happiness in every moment in his career, retiring must not have been an easy decision. However, he told us that since he was so happy, "I want to leave amongst the applause."
"Honestly I haven't thought much about what I will do after military service. Nevertheless, I made the decision to retire because I didn't want to mar my happy memories as a progamer. I did not want to be a washed up player who people would consider it a miracle if I won. I want to happily keep remembering my joyful times as a progamer."
Doh Jae-Wook, so proud of being a progamer and wishing to exit gracefully. We could feel how much love and pride he had for his career. Finally seeing his serious side after all this time, it really felt like it was the end, and we were not sure how to take it.
However, we think that Doh Jae-Wook's fans should no longer be sad. We could see that he was leaving with a smile, full of joy and without regrets. We can now also see him off with a smile.
"I wish for the fans to also only keep happy memories of me. No matter what happens I will always be proud of having been a progamer. When I am released I hope that e-sports will have developed further. To the fans and e-sports industry workers, please continue working hard. Thank you to my fans, once again. For someone as flawed as myself, to receive such overflowing love from you all, I am truly thankful."
Keeping a smile even until the final moment and seeing him leave full of joyful memories, we thought of "Falling Blossoms" once again. For Doh Jae-Wook who was sure it was his time to leave, the sight of his departure was beautiful, and he will continue to remain in our memories.
While not being one of the absolute greatest to ever touch BW, i'll always remember him as one of the scariest PvP and PvT players ever at his peak and he was always solid in Proleague, so GG BeSt you handsome man.
Watching BeSt when he could get into his macro mode was one of the most beautiful things in the game. Of course I was talking with someone a few nights ago and BeSt came up and the first thing he said was 'oh, he's the Protoss who played against July'.
On August 24 2013 11:13 juki wrote: He sometimes thought of running away in the night. Since he was not a well-known progamer and did not have a contract with the team, he believed that if escaped in the early morning and jumped in the sea no one would find him.
Thanks for the article. BeSt really is one of the greatest figures in BW history. I really hope he can still find time for BW. HIs recent game versus INH was surgical getting up to 24 gates ways and 200/200 army with in 12 minutes.
Thanks for the translation! You have to admire his resolve. He realized that he won't be able to make the top anytime soon and wanted to remember his memories as a progamer in a good light. Good stuff. Best of luck! Hope he streams BW after his military service and manages to find a career that he can excel in
I have to say though, that it caught me off guard that he thought of jumping into the sea after those 6 consecutive losses. Man, he must've been depressed at that point ><
On August 24 2013 11:13 juki wrote: He sometimes thought of running away in the night. Since he was not a well-known progamer and did not have a contract with the team, he believed that if escaped in the early morning and jumped in the sea no one would find him.
Whoah that got dark.
Yeah holy shit. Sounds like he had it rough for a period.
On August 24 2013 14:31 BisuDagger wrote: Thanks for the article. BeSt really is one of the greatest figures in BW history. I really hope he can still find time for BW. HIs recent game versus INH was surgical getting up to 24 gates ways and 200/200 army with in 12 minutes.
Yeah agreed! Everyone else is talking about him being 'solid'. He was more than solid. He was one of the greatest protoss players ever. He stood behind Bisu, Stork and Jangbi (and often alongside them) at Broodwar's peak.
thanks for those who know korean and are willing to translate and share this kind of news with non korean speakers... Nice post. I hope that Best streams BW now if he have any spare time in army.
Bloody hell, stupid fans writing him off against INnoVation... Didn't realise BeSt would take it this way =/ It's truly hard for anyone to reach the top but I think many of the pros have the chance, I guess BeSt had to make an honest assessment of himself and decided he wouldn't get there. With a heavy heart I'll wish him all the best for whatever he goes onto next.
I wasn't really a fan of him when he played, but after reading his story and his struggles, I definitely have a lot more respect for him.
He sometimes thought of running away in the night. Since he was not a well-known progamer and did not have a contract with the team, he believed that if escaped in the early morning and jumped in the sea no one would find him.
That line specifically. Wow. I'm glad he stuck it through. gl best. Thanks for the interview
Best, you are a boss! Your finals appearance in the OSL against July was the first OSL finals I watched :D I cheered for you then, and I will keep doing so! GL in the military~
Will always remember, my fondest memoring watching bw involed cheering for SKT for an entire year, and BeSt/Bisu were always my favorite protosses. I Also copied my p v z/p v t from you. I salute you :'(
Brings a tear to my eye... Glad Best was able to overcome that initial slump and stick with it to become the Best we know and love. GL to him in his future endeavors!
Thank you for the translation;; best I may have been rooting for July back in 2008 but you've won me over as a fan Good luck in the military and in life Doh Jae Wook
idk much about the BW career, but i will always remember that he beated INnovation amongst all the odds also really funny and humble guy really happy that he enjoyed his career so much, you dont see that really often. GL in everything Mr.Best :D
He was one of my two favorite players. I loved to see him play, and especially to see him play PvT (it was just wonderful). He brought many awesome games and memories. He was one of the reasons I fell in love with PL. I loved watching his games and I will miss his gateway explosion immensely. Best of luck to him in the future.
Commentators and fans have gotten too rude. And it is the fault of the community as a whole. It shouldn't be okay to say one player doesn't have a chance against another, that them winning is just a fluke, etc. BeSt is not the first to say there is too much of it in the community. I have seen many threads on Reddit of people getting tired of esports because of this exact same reason.
I had no reason to continue being a progamer. Even continuing for one or two more years, I felt it would not be enough to reach the top. The thought that you can achieve anything with just hard work isn't quite true. No matter how hard you try, sometimes some things don't work out. At that time, being honest with yourself and stopping is a brave thing to do."
Wonderful quote and this goes back to what I was saying about players like Bisu and Stork.
On August 27 2013 16:56 Epithet wrote: Wait Best retired? Sad to see another one go
He was getting ready to go to the Military, saw no benefit in continuing with SC2 atm and wanted to get it out of the way. Let him do his service and then we'll see where he goes from there.
I think this was a very P.R. answer and his real reasons are more complicated. The 'always leave them wanting more' is something Effort sort of said too, but it doesn't really apply here. When a comedian or writer says that, they intend to write more, they just want to make the last joke or page strong, so that you'll look forward to next time. When there is no next time, there's no reason to do it. It feels romantic and it feels like a great thing to say, but it's not uncommon that people who go through dramatic exit are also hungry for more, maybe more hungry than their fans were.
I can speculate a lot of reasons, but I think if he isn't having fun anymore such that a comment like 'the current strongest SC2 player is going to take the set' bothers him a lot, then maybe the real reason its time to leave is that he has lost his spirit to prove people wrong, and being a progamer now has become a chore he wants to be acknowledged for. Combine that with knowing that he eventually will have to go to the army no matter what, he might as well quit with people remembering him fondly.
Maybe because in BW, even Flash would not make people count BeSt out, someone like Bogus (ace though he be, for a losing team) being given that much favour over him would feel like falling a long way and be a pretty big blow to his ego. And because he knew he was capable of beating Bogus, and moveover proved it, it ends up feeling like a betrayal. Maybe the article writer is giving us a warped perspective, but that feeling seems at least equal to wanting to be remembered. Add that with maybe not caring about being the greatest player in SC2, and it just feels like a job where you're not being respected for your work.
My thoughts, anyway. I hope he will find something fulfilling after his service.
Wonderful quote and this goes back to what I was saying about players like Bisu and Stork.
I think Bisu and Stork probably have contracts to finish with their teams. They probably pay a good amount too. I get the feeling the article is insinuating more about Boxer or Yellow or TossGirl, maybe almost all of ACE in general. I don't know if that's BeSt's own insinuation (I doubt it), but regardless Bisu and Stork are a totally different situation. They got stuck in the middle of a transition and they're contracted to keep working and practicing. Imagine it more like 'choosing not to renew the contract' than it is leaving whenever you want, because I don't think the latter is legal. I would guess, anyway. I can't consider Bisu or Stork washed out either, because they game they're not winning in is not the game they became known for...
Well aware of the last line man. It goes back to my argument with another guy in another thread when it comes down to certain players and their inability to perform in a new game, lol.
OMG i can not believe this, many of these Broodwar progamers retiring makes me sad in massive proportions, to think that i grew up watching their games and now many of them are taking a different road in live, its good for them of course and im happy for them but at the same time it makes me really sad to see them go, so many good memories...OH MAN T___T GL HF Best. You'll be missed.
On August 24 2013 11:13 juki wrote: He sometimes thought of running away in the night. Since he was not a well-known progamer and did not have a contract with the team, he believed that if escaped in the early morning and jumped in the sea no one would find him.
Whoah that got dark.
I just read the korean article and that was translated literally. I don't think best was suicidal or actually wanted to jump into the real ocean.
Best was one of my favorite players because he seemed like a confident, bright person. The interview supports that image I have of him and hope he is able to enjoy the next part of his life too.
I just read the korean article and that was translated literally. I don't think best was suicidal or actually wanted to jump into the real ocean.
That's correct; it was a mis-translation on my part. The actual meaning is closer to "laying low" rather than diving into the sea. I've edited it into the original post.
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